Chapter 20 · WEB
Beyond the chat window: Claude in Microsoft 365, Claude Tag and Claude Science
Claude also works beyond the chat window: add-ins inside Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook; Claude Tag responding to mentions in Slack; and Claude Science, a dedicated research application. Each surface has its own availability, account requirements and limits.
Video
Steps
- Claude for M365 brings Claude into Office apps: reading and editing in Excel, slides from your templates in PowerPoint, drafting and redlining in Word, and inbox triage in Outlook. These are add-ins, and Outlook needs a one-time Microsoft Graph admin consent.
- Claude Tag works inside Slack channels: mention Claude in a thread, it posts a progress checklist and returns results in the same thread. It is in Public Beta for Team and Enterprise plans with admin-governed access.
- Claude Science is a desktop research application in beta on macOS and Linux: Claude writes and runs Python, R or shell code in a sandbox, saves results with provenance, and a background reviewer cross-checks claims against the run record. It requires Pro, Max, Team or Enterprise.
- Before designing a workflow around any of these surfaces, check the official source for availability on your plan, region and organization; some are in beta and some depend on admin approval.
Common pitfall: Claude appearing inside a third-party tool does not mean data stays only there: check the privacy policy and your organization settings for each surface before feeding it sensitive information.
Hands-on exercise: Pick one surface relevant to your work (M365 if you live in Office, for example) and check the official source for its setup requirements and plan availability. Record whether it is actually available to you.
Filmed demo · Video is added in the media phase
Recap
Comprehension check
What do Claude for M365, Claude Tag and Claude Science have in common?
Recap
- M365: Claude inside Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook
- Tag: Claude mentionable in Slack threads in beta
- Science: sandboxed research environment with provenance